The Women in Business at Mason student organization at the Costello College of Business hosted its first-ever Spring Conference during the spring 2026 semester, according to an April 14 announcement. The event featured 34 speakers from industry and academia and brought together more than 300 members.
The conference aimed to empower women interested in business through networking and professional development. Organizers said the event was designed to expand members’ skillsets and networks both within and beyond George Mason University.
Keynote speaker Lisa Leander, founder and CEO of Where Imagination Builds Excellence, opened the conference by discussing how attendees can build real connections and draw strength from their communities. Attendees then participated in sessions focused on skills such as interviewing and case solving, as well as panel discussions covering fields like technology and international business.
“We had so many people from different fields come in and it’s truly amazing,” said Katherine Guevara, speaker coordinator for the conference. “When I was sitting in my moderating sessions asking them questions, I was taking in every single bit of information… If they were George Mason alumni, how their experience at George Mason helped them grow to the person they are today.”
Faria Alam, director of operations for the conference, said: “Everyone had a smile on their face because they were happy to be there and learn from these panelists and amazing women.”
Speakers also found value in participating. Suehaila Nabulsi, senior project manager at IBM, said: “I was incredibly proud to see these young women take the initiative to design and deliver such a meaningful experience for their community by bringing people together to connect, celebrate, and learn from one another.” She added that she encouraged participants “to create and follow their own paths while resisting the urge to measure their journeys against others.”
Phyllis C. Pajardo, retired superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools and a George Mason alumna, praised both students’ professionalism and speakers’ leadership journeys: “Not only did the conference display the varied strengths… it showcased… fortitude of successful women throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia area,” she said.
Akanksha Padheriya, president of Women in Business at Mason noted: “Planning this conference was a very challenging task… More than anything I wanted to set something up that future members could actually use… The goal was to make this a real recurring opportunity for women… I’m so happy our team achieved that.”
Organizers plan future events building on this year’s success with hopes that Women in Business at Mason will continue preparing female students for careers while fostering support within George Mason University.
